Continuing the territorial cohesion agenda: Towards a more coherent approach to EU territorial development Derek Martin Open Days, October 11, 2005

Political context: back to the future Ratification EU constitution uncertain Territorial Cohesion reduced in cohesion policy frameworks Challenge of territorial cohesion remains “Territory is a strategic factor in any integrated approach to sustainable development. It forms the best framework for reconciling the three aspects: competitiveness, social cohesion and the environment.”

Territorial dimension of Lisbon challenge Territorial capital as focus for development of cities/regions Increased territorial competition EU policies should facilitate, not impede territorial developments: more coherence!

Implementing territorial cohesion Exploiting unique diversity of EU territorial potentials + positioning/connectivity

Implementing territorial cohesion Exploiting unique diversity of EU territorial potentials + positionering/connectivity Strengthening trans-European /-national territorial structures (infra, ICT, ecological, water, development axes)

Implementing territorial cohesion Exploiting unique diversity of EU territorial potentials Strengthening trans-European /-national territorial structures (infra, ICT, ecological, water, development axes) Better territorial governance in EU

The agenda for territorial cohesion “Territorial cohesion is ready to be put into operation, since the political will has already rendered possible the coordination required for its implementation” ESPON => insights, indicators, evidence based assessment “territorial state” Identifying territorial potential & position Sustainable communities / urban dimension Territorial impact European Territorial Cooperation

In conclusion...... Territorial cohesion is alive & beginning to kick again Balanced, competitive and sustainable = territorial dimension Objective 3 (transnational): => strategic => strengthen territorial structures => flexibility for regional/local diversity